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Lewistown commissioners press for clearer snow-removal communications after multi-day storm
Summary
Commissioners and city staff reviewed multi-day snow-removal operations, contractor use and equipment overtime, and discussed steps to improve public communication including plow-tracking, priority maps and possible post-storm parking rules.
The City of Lewistown reviewed its multi-day response to an intense winter storm, with commissioners pressing staff for clearer public communication about plow priorities, contractor deployment and dump sites.
Commissioner Bueller and others praised public works staff and outside contractors for long overtime shifts and substantial hauling to multiple dump sites, but several commissioners said residents remained uncertain about when streets would be cleared and urged the city to provide more real-time information. "Just having that little bit of information, I think, would have helped a lot," Commissioner Day said during the city-manager report.
City Manager Holly (first name only in the record) told the commission that crews and contractors worked extended hours, that the city used four active contractor partners and is finalizing paperwork to add others, and that multiple designated dump sites were used including property by the rail corridor, the wastewater plant area near Sawyer Trail and some parkland. She said the city replaced malfunctioning analyzers in its water system that had affected disinfection-level readings and that those sensors are now operating reliably.
Commissioners suggested several communications tools for future storms: a regularly updated map showing which neighborhoods are currently being plowed, a priority-status indicator (for example, "priority 4 of 7"), and use of social media or radio to notify residents. Commissioner Rubes and others also discussed post-storm vehicle-movement options; Commissioner Robertson and a resident, Kevin Mirey, recalled past odd-even parking plans and said enforcement and public acceptance were challenges.
No formal action was taken at the meeting on new snow rules; commissioners directed staff to explore improved notification options and to work with public works and fire to refine the storm-response plan.
The discussion also covered contractor requirements (city business license and insurance), the logistics of removing large drifts, and the tradeoffs between 24/7 immediate response and the tax cost of increasing equipment and staff. Commissioners repeatedly thanked public works staff and private contractors for the response effort.
