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Contractor apologizes after storm; city warns salt supply limited
Summary
A contractor who performs snow removal for Wildwood apologized for service gaps during a recent storm, said sleet under snow and supply levels contributed to problems, and city staff warned of limited salt inventory.
A contractor who performs snow‑removal work for the city apologized at the Jan. 13 meeting for service gaps during a recent storm and described operational challenges crews faced.
Tom Kelt (snow contractor) told the council the main difficulty was an inch‑and‑a‑half layer of sleet beneath the snow that created conditions crews had seen only rarely, and that the contractor could not place the second de‑icing salt application because available salt stocks were limited. He accepted responsibility, said he will change equipment and add capacity (a loader) before the next storm and that he keeps on‑call staff available 24/7. Kelt also noted some positive neighborhood interactions where operators helped residents in immediate need.
City staff confirmed it has used about half of its salt stockpile and cautioned that further large storms could quickly deplete supplies, creating operational risk. Council members thanked the contractor and public‑works staff for their work but also noted the importance of clear communications to residents when service levels are affected.
What comes next: the contractor said he will add a loader to improve clearing capability; staff will monitor salt inventory and update the council if additional procurement or mutual‑aid is needed.
