Residents heated up about snow plowing

Officials answer questions about snow plowing procedures in Painesville Council meeting.

Numerous complaints from Painesville residents about subpar snow-removal services and unsafe road conditions prompted a response from city officials.

In addition to discussing snowplowing procedures, City Manager Monica Irelan offered possible solutions to improve the level and swiftness of service.

“Public services currently works three, eighthour shifts during the snow season, which is December through March,” she said at the council meeting. “This allows for 24 hours a day, five days a week of snow and ice removal. On weekends, employees get paid eight hours of overtime per employee per shift that is worked.”

The city is responsible for maintaining 125 lane miles of roads, 41 cul-desacs, seven dead-end streets and nine city-owned parking lots during snow events. The level of service is passable and safe, she said. Multiple residents expressed dissatisfaction with snowclearing efforts, noting the process fails to deliver safe roads in a reasonable time.

Compared to seven other municipalities in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties, Irelan said salt purchases reflect salt storage.

“Since the city has limited salt on hand, they are careful to use it responsibly,” she said.

Also, when comparing lane miles of road to employees, Painesville is at a disadvantage having only 10 employees.

“Based on the data analyzed, Painesville city is not out of line as far as processes and procedures,” she said. “Shift work schedules and salt treatment procedures are in line with surrounding communities. The analysis does show the lack of salt storage, employees and equipment puts our process at a disadvantage in comparison to other communities.”

To deliver a faster service, some options may include increasing the overtime budget, staff, or equipment, or building a new salt storage facility.

Council meets Feb. 5.