Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Snow Mutual Aid topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Trustees flag visibility hazard from snowbanks and discuss changes to cross‑border mutual aid
Summary
Trustee Arnott reported a near miss at the Stewart's corner when a fire truck's sightlines were blocked by a large snowbank; crews were dispatched to remove the hazard.
Trustee Arnott told the board that a large snowbank at the Stewart's corner created a blind spot that nearly led to a collision between a fire truck and a motorist. He said the truck could not see the motorist because of the piled snow and the village had crews working to remove the obstruction.
“...she pulled out, and she almost got broad‑sided,” Arnott said, describing the near miss. Village officials said the snowbank is being removed and asked residents and plow operators to be vigilant around hydrants and transformers buried by snow.
Separately, trustees reported that some volunteer fire services in neighboring Canadian and Vermont jurisdictions are seeking pay for responses rather than operating purely as volunteers while on mutual‑aid calls. Trustees said that change could affect mutual‑aid expectations and would require mayoral or commissioner approval for cross‑border responses; the discussion was informational and no formal action was taken.
The board noted there are several blind spots in town because of accumulated snow and urged caution until crews clear them.
