Is there a best way to remove snow off city streets?

Well, the first real snow hit us.  Now comes the discussion about what is the best way to clear streets.  

 The same discussion comes up when the first snow hits in earnest every year. Is it better to plow snow to the middle and have berms in the middle of the street or is it better to plow to the sides to avoid the hazards in the middle of the streets?  

 The city has tried both ways and we have residents supporting both ways.  Berms in the street freeze and are difficult to get over and around.  When they begin to melt you have ongoing slicker streets in those areas as well as difficulty seeing around.

 Snow plowed to the sides gets on sidewalks and makes on-street parking difficult until the snow melts or can be removed. 

 The city does continue to clean driveways after the plow goes by which is unique in our area. We have residents who call and complain about not plowing soon enough and in the next breath complain about snow landing on “his property”.  It becomes quite a dilemma. We’ll just keep trying.

 At the regular monthly meeting of the City Council on Monday, I had the opportunity to review the last year and the many projects from our city departments.  

 Each month we have a report, but it is good to go back and see some of the year’s major accomplishments.  The department heads go back and find those projects they want to share.  

 I appreciate the time it takes but it is a good reminder about what each department accomplishes in serving our residents.

 This year several of our departments spent time and resources to replace old infrastructure along West 9th Street before the street and bridge replacement takes place.   

 We are hoping to go out for bid on that project within the next month. 

 The departments also spent time making sure the needed infrastructure was in place for the planned building of Ridley’s on East 6th Street. There is also the possibility of future growth in that area and we wanted to be prepared if it happens. 

 The water department also spent time preparing a levy on property adjacent to the plant to protect the plant from possible future flooding from the convergence of the Weiser and Snake rivers.  

 They also worked with the Soil Conservation District and a private contractor to dredge and bolster the banks along the Weiser to replace and eliminate some of the erosions in that area.

 As we look at 2019 major street projects, water, and wastewater improvements will continue.  In addition, the refinishing of the City pool is being scheduled, so it will be a busy year. 

 2019 will also bring municipal elections in November. There will again be three positions on the city council up for election.  There is not a primary for these elections, so candidates will file in late August and early September for the November election.  

 The mayor’s position is also up for election this cycle, and I was able to announce at the State of the City on Monday night that I will not be running for re-election. 

 I will complete my years as mayor of the City of Weiser in January 2020. It is a position I have been honored to fill and have enjoyed but time for new eyes and new adventures.

 Weiser Little Theater begins its presentation of “Nunsense” this week through the first weekend in March. 

 Watch the local media for more information about this and the Weiser High School musical this spring.  

 No need for cabin fever as activities gear up for spring.