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Board hears extended discussion on snow removal, notifications and towing enforcement
Summary
Board members, public-safety and public-works staff discussed snow-emergency notification options, towing and ticketing practices, sidewalk clearing challenges, and where residents can sign up for alerts after recent storms.
Manchester aldermen and public works staff spent a sizable portion of the meeting addressing snow removal, notification and enforcement after recent storms that left streets and sidewalks difficult to pass.
Director Tim Clardy explained the city offers email/newsletter notifications and posts updates on Facebook; residents may sign up on the city website for alerts about snow emergencies, traffic incidents and other public-safety notices. "There are avenues through our website where you can put in your email address, and you will get notified," Clardy said.
Aldermen praised the plow crews for extended shifts and work during consecutive storms. Alderman Vincent noted particular hardship on the West Side where no-parking rules leave fewer options for displaced vehicles, and Alderman Barry and others urged residents to give plows room and to heed advance notices.
Councilors and staff discussed towing and ticketing practices. Staff said the police have issued many tickets and that towing remains a tool to clear streets; meeting speakers referenced a typical towing fee in the low hundreds, and noted a separate "dropped vehicle" category when a tow is not completed. In the transcript, one staff member said 246 vehicles were towed on Feb. 7 and six were listed as dropped for that date.
Officials acknowledged sidewalk clearing poses additional challenges after several large storms. Staff said V-plows are less effective when snow volume is high and that snowblowers (which are slower) are being used; the city is operating two shifts and prioritizes school routes and downtown areas. Staff asked aldermen to forward ward priority requests so crews can be deployed to particular problem spots.
No ordinance changes or new enforcement rules were adopted at the meeting; staff said they would continue to post alerts, use social media and coordinate with police and other departments to improve notification and response.
