DES operations staff briefed the council on this past winter’s response and on how the department plans to reduce missed service calls and address long‑standing street maintenance issues.

Why this matters: A severe, prolonged cold stretch created grinding operational pressure—less snow than persistent ice, heavy salt use, contractor shortages and a spike in potholes after the thaw. Constituents frequently call council offices when pickup, pothole or sidewalk service is missed.

Key points

- Winter conditions and supply chain: Operations staff said the winter challenge was prolonged freezing cold rather than a single large snowfall; that made salting more important and increased salt demand. The department said it secured salt supplies via contracted vendors and backup OGS contracts.

- Contractors and workforce: DES said the municipal contracting market has thinned; many smaller firms have left the seasonal plowing market. The department is working with larger roadway contractors and recruitment partners (BOCES, MCC, CEO programs) to increase the hiring pipeline for seasonal and skilled positions.

- Potholes and response times: After the thaw, DES stood up a third pothole crew and said it cleared the majority of reported potholes in about 24–48 hours once calls were triaged. Operations staff said 311 intake uses Verint; the department is working to integrate vehicle telematics/route systems with 311 so dispatch and residents can see work orders and avoid duplicate dispatches.

- Vision Zero and rapid response: Council members reiterated the need for a rapid response mechanism for dangerous intersections or newly identified safety problems. DES said it can implement temporary countermeasures quickly but stressed that some changes require design and capital funds. DES also said it is budgeting for a consultant to recommend Vision Zero KPIs and operations adjustments.

- Public outreach and information: Council members urged more pre‑season public outreach (mailers, a year‑round refrigerator magnet or other persistent reminder) so residents know pickup and leaf schedules; DES agreed to coordinate with communications.

What’s next: DES will provide written follow‑ups on 311/work order integration timelines, a contractor‑capacity briefing and a cost estimate for protective equipment for in‑house security staff. The department also agreed to explore a Vision Zero KPI package and a public outreach plan for resident service calendars.

Ending note: Operations leaders said they are balancing emergency response with long‑term hiring and route‑management investments; councilors pressed for better pre‑season communications and for ongoing work to make traffic‑calming designs maintainable in winter months.