Weathering the storms

Peduto pushes sensible cleanup improvements

City snow removal has become the subject of public angst once again, with motorists and others telling Mayor Bill Peduto that crews needed to do a better job during recent storms. To his credit, Mr. Peduto has recognized the need for improvement and promised to follow through,

It would have been better if Mr. Peduto had implemented the changes during his first term. The complaints underscore the city’s need to focus on basic services even as officials pursue lofty goals related to environmental improvement, healthy living and economic transformation.

One hopes that the public never will experience a repeat of the 2010 blizzard that paralyzed the city and prevented an ambulance from reaching the home of a man who died. Afterward, the city made various changes to its snow removal policy, including creation of timetables for clearing streets and sidewalks based on snow accumulations. There also were changes in public-safety response procedures to make sure people needing help in weather emergencies had better odds of getting it.

Now, amid complaints that some snow-covered streets went untouched or were insufficiently cleared during recent storms, another comprehensive series of improvements is coming.

Mr. Peduto has promised a redrawing of snowplow routes based on GPS mapping and other technology, an idea that offers the promise of more efficient — and faster — cleanups. Surprisingly, a city working hard to enhance its high-tech economy still uses pen and paper to plot snow-clearing strategy. An overhaul will take time, as the mayor pointed out, and it will require the help of an outside vendor.

He also promised to experiment with better ice-melting materials, to better staff 311 to make sure complaints are processed efficiently and to corral public-works employees who opted not to work, some by refusing overtime, one night it snowed. Some allowance always should be made for employees with a pressing need to be with families. But in general, when it snows, public works employees should be at the city’s beck and call. That’s what they signed up for.

In a state of emergency during the heaviest snowfalls, the city has a plan for bringing in contractors to help with snow removal. Perhaps it should consider using them for lighter storms, too, if it encounters personnel or equipment problems.

Mr. Peduto also has announced plans to open a new public works station serving southern and western neighborhoods. The old one closed in October, and there were complaints about that affecting snow removal in those parts of the city.

City Councilman Anthony Coghill, the newly seated representative for District 4, which takes in southern neighborhoods, quickly made good on his “back to basics” campaign slogan. He and Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, who represents District 2’s southern and western neighborhoods, criticized the administration Jan. 9 for unsatisfactory snow removal the prior weekend.

They need to keep the pressure on. The city should strive for excellence even in the smallest storms. However, addressing deficiencies that manifest themselves during lighter snows also is a way to better position the city for handling the next big one.