If this winter is anything like last year’s, the roads department here may be better suited to deal with all the snow, thanks to steps taken by the town last week.
On Aug. 12, Roads Superintendent Larry Van Wyck told council he would like to address several matters well before the snow flies, including:
– hiring four part-time winter helpers for the five month period running from Nov. 1 to April 1;
– contracting out the removal of built up snow along the main streets of Erin and Hillsburgh (five times this winter); and
– contracting out snow plowing at Centre 2000 and the fire halls in Erin and Hillsburgh.
Van Wyck explained the four additional staff are hired each winter to ensure the town can keep up with winter road maintenance, particularly in evenings and on weekends.
However, he was making the request earlier than usual, hoping to have the part-time staff members hired and trained by Nov. 1. Last year, he told council, he did not do any hiring until Nov. 1, which resulted in a trial-by-fire experience for staff because snow fell early and often.
The removal of snow on main streets is also done each winter, he said, adding the work is usually done about once a month, depending on the snow accumulation.
He said having somebody else take care of plowing at Centre 2000 and the fire halls – where there were several complaints last winter – is a new idea that will allow town staff to concentrate on roads.
Council unanimously approved Van Wyck’s recommendations.
